4 Ways to fight memory loss

It is no surprise that we will forget where the house keys or remote control is. This may happen from time to time, but as the ageing process begins we may experience it more. Memory loss that comes with aging is natural. However, this doesn’t mean that you should resign yourself to it. Here are some ways on how to fight memory loss.

Engage your Brain

The first step towards your fight against memory loss is to start at its cause. Start treating your brain like it’s a muscle. Although it isn’t’ both brain and muscle work on a similar principle, you use it or lose it.

A study on older adults leading a busy lifestyle with continuous mentally engaging activities was conducted. The results are that these adults with ages ranging from 50 – 89 shown an improvement in memory. However, you don’t have to start filling your to-do list with a mountain of mentally challenging activities. There are plenty of simple activities you can do daily, or you can even pick up some new hobbies.

Musical instrument: Did you dream of becoming a Rockstar when you were young? Here is the perfect excuse to do it! Research made by Northwestern University shows that musicians are less likely to suffer from memory and hearing loss.

Brain exercises: The computer is a great way for you to get your daily brain engaging fix. There are plenty of sites providing logic-based games such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles. Additionally, BrainHQ is a perfect place If you want more activities that are tailored towards exercising your brain.

Pick up new skills: Ever want to learn a new language or how to cook? Now is the best time to pick them up. However, it is important that the new skill you want to learn is unfamiliar and even challenging. As it can help with providing a broad stimulation to your brain.

Physical Activities

Apart from exercising your mind, it is also important to exercise your body, as physical activities may help with memory loss. This is partly due to an increase in blood flow in the body including your brain, during physical exercises. In turn, it leads to more energy and oxygen, which helps in the performance of your brain.

Furthermore, physical activities can also help stimulate a specific part of your brain known as the hippocampus. This part of your brain is used to facilitate learning and memory systems. A study has concluded that amongst seniors, their hippocampus grew as they got fitter. In turn, may help fight memory loss.

If that is not enough to convince you to take up a fitness routine maybe its other benefits will. Research has shown that just brisk walking for half-an-hour, 3 times a day, can help delay the onset of dementia. Additionally, excercising is also known to help improve the quality of your sleep.

Your Brain Is What You Eat

Starting a healthy diet can help in your fight against memory loss. One way is to start adding more foods that can fight memory loss into your daily meals. Food that is rich in antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids are a “must-have” in your fight against memory loss. One food to consider are blueberries, otherwise known as “Brain berries”. They contain a high amount of antioxidants which research suggest that it can help improve cognitive function.

If you are keen on changing to a new diet plan, consider the Mediterranean diet. This diet plan will have you eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy grains and fish. In Spain, two groups of seniors were tested in a clinical trial. The group eating a Mediterranean diet is reported to have better memory and reduced cognitive decline.

Your Beliefs

Failing memory or memory loss, these are some of the usual stereotypes that come with ageing. These stereotypes can have negative effects once you start to believe them. The reason is simple when you start believing that ageing inevitably leads to memory problems, you start believing it’s uncontrollable. As such, you may be less likely to explore ways of maintaining and improving your memory. Ultimately, a belief that you can keep your mind sharp once the ageing process begins is essential to help fight memory loss.